Length: 766 words (2.8 pages)
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Educational Philosophy


Teaching children has been an important goal for me since I was a little girl. I remember gathering my neighborhood friends into my basement to play school and of course I was Ms. Schaeffer. As I got older my grandfather was a huge influence in my decision to pursue teaching as a career. He was a teacher in every sense of the word. . He taught me the importance of teaching, to reach people. My first actual classroom experience was during my senior year of high school. I shadowed a kindergarten class for two months. The children amazed me with their craving for knowledge, they soaked in every bit of information they could. Children at that time are learning the basic fundamentals they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Knowing that I can have a positive, or possibly a negative impact on this crucial part of life is a scary thought, but I have been waiting my entire life for the challenge.

The basis of my own classroom would could only be based on my own experience as a student. Seating would be arranged in small groups, four tables to a group. Two children would face another two children. This would promote working together on projects, sharing, and socializing. In the upper right hand corner of the desk the child?s name would be neatly printed on a laminated card then taped down. On the first day of school the child would find their name and know that was their seat. I would change seating arrangements every couple of months, allowing for more diverse social groups.

A classroom needs to be colorful and comfortable. Bulletin boards would be decorated in bright, cheerful colors and be low to the ground, easily accessible for the students. One board would be a calendar displaying holidays, birthdays, special trips, guests visiting, etc. Another would contain students responsibilities and weekly helpers. The weekly helper would be in charge of lines to the cafeteria or the cleanliness of the classroom. Letting the students have a sense of responsibility promotes pride in their classroom and a lesson in leading others instead of being a follower. Another board would be for assignments. Gold stars awarded for every homework turned in the students with all homework turned in on time would be rewarded. To teach the children about weather one board could have small pictures of a sun, clouds, rain, etc. Each morning the children would come in and describe the weather by putting up pictures on a board. The walls inside and outside of the classroom would contain students drawings and writings. Holiday themes would be used to decorate the room as well.

My classroom would contain a small library of children?s books, a camera, toys, small animals (easily taken care of), a corner desk for bad behavior, and a first aid kit. The kids would expected to pick out a book a week to take home and read, hopefully with a parent. The parent would then sign a paper sent home verifying the student completed the book. I would take pictures through out the year cataloging activities, school functions, guest speakers, parties, etc. At the end of the year pictures would be included in the child?s personal portfolio of work, progress reports, and special awards. Of course children need toys to play with, hopefully toys geared towards to educational aspects. Small animals would be taken care by the helpers. The animals teach children about the animals as well as the responsibility involved in caring for animals. A desk put beside my desk is for children who misbehave, disrupting class for example. The first aid kit is obviously used for the cuts and scraps that all kids get.

Projects including outdoor activities, music and art are fun educational ways to teach. Outdoor trips to the playground would result in scientific findings and a overall appreciation for the environment. It could also be a reward for good behavior. Music projects such as making an instrument out of ?junk? then playing in a band is fun and useful with teaching recycling. Art projects help children express themselves and allow for creative development. Art and music are just as important as math or reading in terms of overall development of a child.

Children must understand the importance of a teacher as a respected authority figure. A teacher cannot demand respect but earn it. The first day of school is a good day to talk to the students concerning rules and expectations. Children should play an active role in making the rules and punishments.